Living between Jacksonville and St. Augustine
St. Johns is an unincorporated community south of Jacksonville, between the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. The population of St. Johns County has more than doubled since 2000, and thousands of new homes have popped up in its suburbs, particularly the suburb of St. Johns. “It’s big on new development,” says local Realtor Sydney Ragusa of United Real Estate Gallery. She’s sold homes across the region for nearly a decade and lives in St. Johns. The community is near Jacksonville and St. Augustine, but residents enjoy less of the foot traffic and crowdedness that comes with city life while still close to ample shopping. As the community develops, its close-knit community continues to grow. “All walks of life are here,” Ragusa says. “You’re going to find people in every stage of life. You feel safe and have a sense of community.”
Riverfront estates and new-builds
St. Johns features a variety of housing, from Spanish-inspired riverside homes to Craftsman-style single-family homes in subdivided communities throughout the area. “If you’re looking for new construction, it’s great,” Ragusa says. “But you also get the laid-back lifestyle of the river life with large, estate-style lots.” Ragusa says buyers can find a mix of newly constructed townhomes and condominiums, as well as established riverfront properties “that are stunning.” Subdivisions like Sutherland Forest and Dublin Crossing have sidewalk-lined streets where residents often enjoy evening walks. Housing prices widely vary in St. Johns. The median home value is around $560,000, just above the national median. A two-bedroom condo can sell for $200,000, while a riverfront mansion can sell for over $8 million.
St. Johns County Schools receive high marks from Niche
The St. Johns County School District scores an A on Niche and is ranked the best overall district in the Jacksonville area. Several schools serve the community of St. Johns, from the A-rated Patriot Oaks Academy to the A-rated Creekside High School. At the A-rated Bartram Trail High, students can gain professional experience through specialized academies, including the Information Technology Academy, the VyStar Academy of Business & Finance and the Design Academy.
Riverside parks and golf courses
St. Johns’ namesake river is this community’s defining natural feature, and many parks line its banks. Riverfront Park is densely wooded, shaded by mature oaks draped with Spanish moss. The park has a small pier, shaded overlook and kayak launch. Plus, it’s a popular spot for fishing. According to Ragusa, residents who don’t live along the lake dock their boats at one of the nearby marinas, like Julington Creek Marina. St. Johns is also a popular area for golfers. St. Johns Golf & Country Club is one of the area’s best-known 18-hole courses; the club is carved from a forest of pine trees in the Florida wetlands and offers golf lessons, equipment and member benefits. Ragusa adds that many residents enjoy being close to the beach. Mickler Beach is about 12 miles east. “It’s the best spot for shark-tooth hunting,” Ragusa says. “I’ve gone there on a random day and come home with seven to 10 shark teeth.”
Shopping centers in St. Johns
St. Johns offers access to several shopping centers with retailers and restaurants. “Durbin Park is a newer and huge shopping center,” Ragusa says. “It has Old Navy, Walmart and Home Depot.” The shopping center also offers several regional chain restaurants, from Mellow Mushroom to Kinya Ramen. Additional grocery stores and restaurants along Race Track Road. “If you want to drive 15 to 20 minutes, you could go to the St. Johns Town Center,” Ragusa says. The shopping mall has high-end retailers, including Coach, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. There are quite a few restaurants in St. John's, including Bella Vista, a top-rated Italian restaurant with family-sized portions and memorable customer service.
Easy access to Jacksonville and St. Augustine
St. Johns is mainly car-dependent, but the Jacksonville Transportation Authority does provide bus routes around the community. St. Johns is about 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville, and St. Augustine is 22 miles away. Locals have access to several major highways, including Interstate 95 and 295, and commuters typically hop on I-95 northbound to reach Jacksonville. The Jacksonville International Airport is about 35 miles away, and Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County is one of the nearest medical facilities.
Risk of flooding
Homes in St. Johns may be at risk of flooding, but riverside homes are particularly vulnerable; homeowners may want to purchase flood insurance. St. Johns is typically sunny and humid throughout the year, with temperatures reaching the 90s.
Written By
Brennen Martin
